Enhancing Water Management in Jordan: A Fresh Tomato Water Footprint Analysis

Arwa Hamaideh; Tharaa  Al-Zghoul; Nuha  Dababseh; Ahmad  Jamrah

doi:10.35516/jjas.v20i4.2571

Authors

Arwa Hamaideh University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1649-8216
Tharaa Al-Zghoul The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2925-1957
Nuha Dababseh The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2241-4669
Ahmad Jamrah The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0224-844X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/jjas.v20i4.2571

Keywords:

Application ratio, blue water footprint, crop coefficient, crop water use, CROPWAT 8.0 model, evapotranspiration, green water footprint, gray water footprint

Abstract

Water footprint (WF) analysis is crucial for comprehending agricultural water usage patterns. This study aims to determine the total WF for tomatoes in Jordan from 1994 to 2023, covering both summer and winter seasons, to inform decision-making regarding tomato cultivation practices in the area. Despite inconsistencies in data recording, particularly regarding fertilizer application and sunshine, the WF serves as a valuable tool for estimating seasonal variations in water requirements and facilitating comparisons between different approaches to water usage for tomatoes. Comparative studies globally suggest variability in WFs due to factors such as climate, irrigation methods, and soil conditions influencing results. In this study, the CROPWAT 8.0 model was employed to analyze input data obtained from the Department of Statistics, NASA POWER, and local farmers near the Baqoura, Deir Alla, and Ghour Alsafi stations. The analysis aimed to determine the green WF (rainfall), blue WF (irrigation), and gray WF (water required to dilute pollutants) at these stations. The results revealed that the total WF during winter was approximately 7217.62, 8417.65, and 14061.42 m³/ton for the Baqoura, Deir Alla, and Ghour Alsafi stations. In summer, the respective values were around 3107.67, 6026.52, and 11847.35 m³/ton. Significant findings include ET green, evapotranspiration (ET) blue, crop water use (CWU) green and blue, and production yield for 2023. The nitrogen application per dunum was also calculated as 368 kg/30 dunum, equating to 123 kg/ha. The significance of these results lies in their potential to inform and optimize water management practices in tomato cultivation, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.

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Author Biographies

Arwa Hamaideh, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

Associate prof

Water and Environmental Research and Study Center, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan

Tharaa Al-Zghoul, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan

Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan

Nuha Dababseh, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan

Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan

Ahmad Jamrah, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan

Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan

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